Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sumter, SC: $187,569 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Sumter, SC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $187,569/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Sumter's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $204,993 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $130,405 in 2026, experienced air traffic controllers in Sumter, South Carolina, can expect to reach impressive pay levels as they advance their careers. The potential earnings for the top 10% in this field reach $187,569, while the 75th percentile sees a salary of $166,919. This indicates a considerable gap between the median and upper-tier salaries, underscoring the benefits of continued professional development and specialization. Controllers aiming for these higher ranges often pursue advanced training, effective leadership roles, and develop expertise in specific areas of air traffic management, enhancing their appeal to employers in a field where demand is consistently high.
About the Sumter Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sumter
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Sumter earn between $166,919 and $187,569 per year (2026 est.). This $111,934 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Sumter median of $130,405 sits 14.14% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Sumter | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $130,405 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,919 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $187,569 | $221,151 |
In Sumter, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.84% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Sumter
Advanced Certifications in South Carolina
SC air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $130,405 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Sumter employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Sumter command premium compensation, often reaching the $166,919–$187,569 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Sumter metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Sumter with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in South Carolina who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Sumter
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSumter ranks #13 of 26 South Carolina cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $187,569).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Sumter ($187,569) is 3.53% below the South Carolina average P90 ($194,425).
2019 BLS Actual
$149,545
2025 BLS Actual
$182,869
2026 Current Est.
$187,569
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $149,545 | Actual |
| 2020 | $156,721 | Actual |
| 2021 | $157,747 | Actual |
| 2022 | $160,978 | Actual |
| 2023 | $170,469 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,597 | Actual |
| 2025 | $182,869 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $187,569 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $192,389 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Sumter saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $149,545 in 2019 to $182,869 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $192,389 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sumter metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Sumter
Various factors contribute to the earning potential for senior air traffic controllers in Sumter. Specializations like en route and radar operations command the highest premiums, with roles at FAA en route centers or military ATC paths offering enhanced compensation. Additionally, differences in compensation based on employer type are evident; for instance, working at an FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACON) typically offers different pay scales versus FAA contract towers. Leadership opportunities further enrich the career path, allowing experienced controllers to ascend from certified professional controllers (CPCs) to operations supervisors or facility managers. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as the traffic management coordinator designation, can lead to salary enhancements, especially given the priority of recurrent training and medical evaluations. Moreover, factors such as shift differentials, overtime compensation, and locality pay significantly impact overall earnings at this skill level in SC, making senior-level positions attractive in a market desperately needing qualified professionals.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Sumter in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Sumter?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Sumter?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Sumter?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Sumter?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in South Carolina
Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $182,869 for air traffic controllers in the Sumter metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sumter is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov